Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra Resigns Amid Valmiki Corporation Scam Row, Says “Party Shouldn’t Face Embarrassment”

New Delhi: Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra has resigned from the state cabinet amid allegations of financial irregularities involving the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. Nagendra, who had been under sustained political pressure to step down, said he chose to resign voluntarily to prevent embarrassment to his party.

The BJP had repeatedly targeted Nagendra over the controversy and demanded his removal. After announcing his resignation, Nagendra hit back at the opposition, accusing the BJP of pursuing what he described as “Manuvadi politics.”

The controversy is particularly sensitive as the corporation is responsible for implementing development and welfare programmes for Scheduled Tribes. Investigating agencies have probed allegations that funds belonging to the corporation were illegally transferred to various accounts. However, no final judicial verdict has been delivered in the case so far.

What Did B. Nagendra Say?

Announcing his decision, Nagendra said he was not intimidated by what he called the BJP’s “false threats.” He said he would meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and address the matter in detail at a press conference.

“I will not be intimidated by the BJP’s false threats. I will hold a press conference. I am going to meet the Chief Minister. The party should not face embarrassment because of me. I will discuss this matter in detail with the Chief Minister,” Nagendra said.

What Is the Valmiki Corporation Controversy?

The controversy erupted in May 2024 after a note reportedly found following the death of corporation accounts officer P. Chandrashekharan raised allegations of unauthorised fund transfers.

A subsequent investigation looked into claims that large amounts of money were moved from the corporation’s bank account to several other accounts.

Investigative details have put the alleged unauthorised transfers at approximately ₹89.63 crore, while some reports have estimated the overall alleged misappropriation at around ₹187 crore. These figures relate to allegations under investigation, and the matter remains subject to judicial proceedings.

Nagendra Had Resigned Once Before

Nagendra was serving as the Tribal Welfare Minister when the controversy emerged in 2024. Amid mounting political pressure, he resigned from the cabinet in June 2024.

He was later reinstated in the Karnataka cabinet on August 3, 2024. His return triggered renewed criticism from the BJP, which once again stepped up demands for his removal.

BJP Protests From Assembly to Streets

The controversy has also sparked repeated protests by the BJP across Karnataka. Opposition leaders and workers recently marched towards Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, demanding Nagendra’s removal.

The issue also disrupted proceedings in both the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, with BJP members repeatedly raising the matter.

On August 24, the Assembly was adjourned sine die—three days earlier than scheduled—amid the continuing political confrontation.

Nagendra’s latest resignation is now set to intensify the political battle over the alleged Valmiki Corporation fund irregularities, with the ruling Congress and BJP continuing to trade accusations.